Method for performing cooperative function automatically and device using the same

ABSTRACT

A device for performing a cooperative function with another device is provided. The device includes a communication unit; and a controller that determines whether the other device is in a surrounding area of the device based a signal received through the communication unit, selects one cooperative function from among a plurality of cooperative functions according to a relative position of the device with respect to the other device and performs the selected cooperative function with the other device.

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/862,301, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office onAug. 24, 2010, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to KoreanPatent Application No. 2009-0078349, filed Aug. 24, 2009, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the entire content of each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method for performing acooperative function and a device using the same, and more particularly,to a method for allowing a plurality of devices to perform a singlecooperative function together, and a device using the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the advent of various digital devices, the number of digitaldevices that a single user possesses has increased significantly.

These various digital devices have provided increased convenience, andcontinue to become more sophisticated by incorporating multi-functions.

The user, however, still pursues digital devices having more advancedand sophisticated functions.

However, a digital device is limited in the number of functions it canperform on its own. Therefore, a method for converging and combiningeach device owned by the user is required to create a new function whichcan be performed by a plurality of digital devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to address at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for performing a cooperative function if it isdetermined that there are other devices in the surrounding area, and adevice using the same.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a device for performinga cooperative function with another device is provided. The deviceincludes a communication unit; and a controller that determines whetherthe other device is in a surrounding area of the device based a signalreceived through the communication unit, selects one cooperativefunction from among a plurality of cooperative functions according to arelative position of the device with respect to the other device andperforms the selected cooperative function with the other device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 7B are diagrams illustrating a concept of performing acooperative function automatically by devices in adjacent areas,according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a cooperativefunction automatically among devices in adjacent areas, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A to 10B are diagrams illustrating a concept of performing acooperative function automatically which is set in advance consideringlocations of devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing differentcooperative functions automatically considering locations of devices inadjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A to 14B are diagrams illustrating a method for performingdifferent cooperative functions automatically according to locations ofdevices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a device, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same or similar reference numerals maybe used for the same or similar elements when they are illustrated indifferent drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processesknown in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates that a digital camera 110 isadjacent to an electronic frame 120 (within a predetermined distance).

If the digital camera 110 is adjacent to the electronic frame 120 asillustrated in FIG. 1A, a cooperative function is automaticallyperformed by the digital camera 110 and the electronic frame 120 asillustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B illustrates that the digital camera 110 transmits stored photosto the electronic frame 120, and the electronic frame 120 reproduces thephotos received from the digital camera 110 as a slideshow.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera110 is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame 120 ifthe digital camera 110 is adjacent to the electronic frame 120.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, theelectronic frame 120 is preset to reproduce the photos received from thedigital camera 110 as a slideshow if the electronic frame 120 isadjacent to the digital camera 110.

Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera 110 andthe electronic frame 120, the cooperative function continues even if thedistance between the two becomes wide.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates that a digital camera 220 isadjacent to a Personal Computer (PC) 210.

If the digital camera 220 is adjacent to the PC 210 as illustrated inFIG. 2A, a cooperative function is automatically performed by thedigital camera 220 and the PC 210, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2B illustrates that the digital camera 220 transmits additionallystored photos to the PC 210, and the PC 210 backs-up the photos receivedfrom the digital camera 220 in a designated folder of the Hard DiskDrive (HDD).

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera220 is preset to transmit additionally stored photos to the PC 210 ifthe digital camera 220 is adjacent to the PC 210.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the PC210 is preset to back-up the photos received from the digital camera 220in a designated folder of the HDD if the PC 210 is adjacent to thedigital camera 220.

Once the cooperative function starts between the PC 210 and the digitalcamera 220, the cooperative function continues even if the distancebetween the two becomes wide.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 3A illustrates that a digital camera 310,which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a printer 320.

If the digital camera 310 is adjacent to the printer 320 as illustratedin FIG. 3A, a cooperative function is automatically performed by thedigital camera 310 and the printer 320, as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B illustrates that the digital camera 310 transmits photos whichare being reproduced to the printer 320, and the printer 320 prints thephotos received from the digital camera 310.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera310 is preset to transmit photos that are currently being reproduced tothe printer 320 if the digital camera 310 is adjacent to the printer320.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, theprinter 320 is preset to print the photos received from the digitalcamera 310 if the printer 320 is adjacent to the digital camera 310.

If an MP3 player, which is reproducing music, is adjacent to the printer320, the MP3 player transmits information regarding the current music tothe printer 320 and the printer 320 may download the lyrics or musicbook of the current music through the Internet and print them.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates that a mobile phone-A 410,which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a mobile phone-B 420, whichis in a standby mode.

If the mobile phone-A 410 is adjacent to the mobile phone-B 420 asillustrated in FIG. 4A, a cooperative function is automaticallyperformed by the mobile phone-A 410 and the mobile phone-B 420, asillustrated in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B illustrates that the mobile phone-A 410 transmits photos, whichare currently being reproduced, to the mobile phone-B 420, and themobile phone-B 420 changes its mode from a standby mode to a photo playmode, and displays the photos received from the mobile phone 410 on ascreen.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone-A410 is preset to transmit photos, which are currently being reproducedto the mobile phone-B 420, if the mobile phone-A 410 is adjacent to themobile phone-B 420.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, themobile phone 420 is preset to display the photos received from themobile phone-A 410 if the mobile phone 420-B is adjacent to the mobilephone-A 410.

Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone-A 410 andthe mobile phone-B 420, the cooperative function continues even if thedistance between the two becomes wide.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates that a mobile phone-A 510,which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a television (TV) 520, whichis reproducing broadcast.

If the mobile phone 510 is adjacent to the TV 520 as illustrated in FIG.5A, a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobilephone 510 and the TV 520, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5B illustrates that the mobile phone 510 transmits photos, whichare currently being reproduced, to the TV 520, and the TV 520 stopsreproducing broadcast and reproduces the photos received from the mobilephone 510.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone 510is preset to transmit photos, which are currently being reproduced, tothe TV 520 if the mobile phone 510 is adjacent to the TV 520.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the TV520 is preset to reproduce the photos received from the mobile phone 510if the TV 520 is adjacent to the mobile phone 510.

Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone 510 andthe TV 520, the cooperative function continues even if the distancebetween the two becomes wide.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a sixth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 6A illustrates that a digital camcorder 610is adjacent to a TV 620, which is reproducing broadcast.

If the digital camcorder 610 is adjacent to the TV 620 as illustrated inFIG. 6A, a cooperative function is automatically performed by thedigital camcorder 610 and the TV 620, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B illustrates that the digital camcorder 610 transmits imagescurrently being photographed to the TV 620, and the TV 620 stopsreproducing broadcast and reproduces the images received from thedigital camcorder 610.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digitalcamcorder 610 is preset to transmit images, which are currently beingphotographed, to the TV 620 if the digital camcorder 610 is adjacent tothe TV 620.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the TV620 is preset to reproduce the images received from digital camcorder610 if the TV 620 is adjacent to the digital camcorder 610.

Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camcorder 610and the TV 620, the cooperative function continues even if the distancebetween the two becomes wide.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a method for performing acooperative function automatically, according to a seventh embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 7A illustrates that a mobile phone 720 isadjacent to a PC 710.

If the mobile phone 720 is adjacent to the PC 710 as illustrated in FIG.7A, a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobilephone 720 and the PC 710 as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7B illustrates that the mobile phone 720 transmits stored scheduleinformation to the PC 710, and the PC 710 backs-up the scheduleinformation received from the mobile phone 720 in a designated folder.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone 720is preset to transmit stored schedule information to the PC 710 if themobile phone 720 is adjacent to the PC 710.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the PC710 is preset to back-up the schedule information received from themobile phone 720 in a designated folder if the PC 710 is adjacent to themobile phone 720.

Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone 720 andthe PC 710, the cooperative function continues even if the distancebetween the two becomes wide.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a cooperativefunction automatically among devices in adjacent areas, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a device performs a function according to auser's command in step S810, and determines whether there is anotherdevice in surrounding areas in step S820.

If it is determined that there is another device nearby in step S820,the device determines whether an automatic cooperative function is setbetween the device and the other device in step S830.

If it is determined that an automatic cooperative function is set instep S830, the device sets a communicable connection with the otherdevice in step S840.

Subsequently, the device performs the cooperative function with theother device automatically in step S850.

FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a methodfor performing a cooperative function automatically, according to aneighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A illustrates that adigital camera 920 is adjacent to the ‘back’ of an electronic frame 910.

If the digital camera 920 is adjacent to the back of the electronicframe 910 as illustrated in FIG. 9A, a cooperative function isautomatically performed by the digital camera 920 and the electronicframe 910 as illustrated in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9B illustrates that the digital camera 920 transmits stored photosto the electronic frame 910, and the electronic frame 910 backs-up thephotos received from the digital camera 920 in its own storage medium.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera920 is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame 910 ifthe digital camera 920 is adjacent to the back of the electronic frame910.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, theelectronic frame 910 is preset to back-up the photos received from thedigital camera 920 if the back of electronic frame 910 is adjacent tothe digital camera 920.

Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera 920 andthe electronic frame 910, the cooperative function continues even if thedistance between the two becomes wide.

FIG. 10A illustrates that the digital camera 920 is adjacent to the‘front’ of the electronic frame 910.

If the digital camera 920 is adjacent to the front of the electronicframe 910 as illustrated in FIG. 10A, a cooperative function isautomatically performed by the digital camera 920 and the electronicframe 910 as illustrated in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10B illustrates that the digital camera 920 transmits stored photosto the electronic frame 910, and the electronic frame 910 reproduces thephotos received from the digital camera 920 as a slideshow.

In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera920 is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame 910 ifthe digital camera 920 is adjacent to the front of the electronic frame910.

In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, theelectronic frame 910 is preset to reproduce the photos received from thedigital camera 920 as a slideshow if the front of electronic frame 910is adjacent to the digital camera 920.

Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera 920 andthe electronic frame 910, the cooperative function continues even if thedistance between the two becomes wide.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing differentcooperative functions automatically considering locations of devices inadjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, a device performs a function according to auser's command in step S1110 and determines whether there is anotherdevice in surrounding areas in step S1120.

If it is determined that there is another device nearby in step S1120,the device identifies the location of the other device in step S1130.

Subsequently, the device identifies an automatic cooperative functionthat should be performed together with the other device based on thelocation of the other device in step S1140.

The device sets a communicable connection with the other device in stepS1150. Subsequently, the device performs the cooperative function withthe other device automatically in step S1160.

FIGS. 12A and 12B, FIGS. 13A and 13B, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagramsillustrating a method for performing a cooperative functionautomatically, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A illustrates that a digital camera 1220 is located on the mainbody of a PC 1210, and FIG. 12B illustrates that the digital camera 1220is located in front of the main body of the 1210.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, if the digital camera 1220 is located on themain body of the PC 1210, the digital camera 1220 may transmit storedphotos to the PC 1210 and the PC 1210 may back-up the photos receivedfrom the digital camera 1220 in its own storage medium as a cooperativefunction is automatically performed by the digital camera 1220 and thePC 1210.

As illustrated in FIG. 12B, if the digital camera 1220 is located infront of the main body of the PC 1210, the digital camera 1220 maytransmit stored photos to the PC 1210 and the PC 1210 may reproduce thephotos received from the digital camera 1220 as a slideshow as acooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera1220 and the PC 1210.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, if the liquid crystal of a mobile phone-A1310 and the liquid crystal of a mobile phone-B 1320 are placed side byside facing an upper or lower direction, the address book stored in themobile phone-A 1310 may be synchronized with the address book stored inthe mobile phone-B 1320 as a cooperative function is automaticallyperformed by the mobile phone-A 1310 and the mobile phone-B 1320.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B, if the mobile phone-A 1310 and the mobilephone-B 1320 face each other, the photos stored in the mobile phone-A1310 may be synchronized with the photos stored in the mobile phone-B1320 as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobilephone-A 1310 and the mobile phone-B 1320.

As illustrated in FIG. 14A, if a mobile phone 1420 is located in frontof a TV 1410, the mobile phone 1420 may transmit stored photos to the TV1410, and the TV 1410 may reproduce the photos received from the mobilephone 1420 as a slideshow as a cooperative function is automaticallyperformed by the mobile phone 1420 and the TV 1410.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, if the mobile phone 1420 islocated next to the TV 1410, the contents stored in the mobile phone1420 may be synchronized with the contents stored in the hard-disk ofthe TV 1410 or the contents stored in the USB connected to the TV.

In the above embodiments, a cooperative function is automaticallyperformed when two devices become close to each other, but this is onlyan example. A cooperative function may also be automatically performedwhen two devices are in contact with each other.

In this case, the type of cooperative function to be performed may bedetermined depending on which part of a device is contacted by anotherdevice. For example, if the device is in contact with the “front” ofanother device, “a first” cooperative function may be performed, and ifthe device is in contact with the “back” of another device, “a second”cooperative function may be performed.

To sense which part of the device in contact with another device,sensors should be formed on the surface of the other device.

In addition, the type of cooperative function to be performed may bedetermined depending on which part of a device contacts which part ofanother device. For example, if the “front” of the device contacts the“front” of another device, “the first” cooperative function may beperformed, and if the “back” of the device contacts the “back” ofanother device, “the second” cooperative function may be performed.

The type of cooperative function performed by devices may be determinedby a user. In addition, the type of cooperative function that is alreadyset may be changed by a user.

A cooperative function may be automatically set according to theproperties of a device. For example, since the properties of a camerainclude taking pictures and the properties of a printer includesprinting, a cooperative function may be automatically set as the camerataking pictures and the printer printing the photographed pictures.

The devices mentioned in the above embodiments are only examples. Thetechnical feature of the present invention may be applied to otherdevices.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a device to which the present invention isapplicable. The device includes a function block 1510, a display 1520, acontroller 1530, a storage unit 1540 and a communication unit 1550.

The function block 1510 performs an original function of the device. Ifthe device is a mobile phone, the function block performs telephonecommunication and SMS, and if the device is a TV, the function block1510 performs broadcast reception and reproduction.

The display 1520 displays the performance result of the function block1510 and the GUI.

The storage unit 1540 is a storage medium to store programs necessary toperform the function of the function block 1510 and to provide the GUI,contents, and other data.

The communication unit 1550 senses whether another device approaches adevice in surrounding areas, and sets a communicable connection betweenthe device and a sensed device.

In addition, the communication unit 1550 senses the location of anotherdevice in surrounding areas. For example, the communication unit 1550senses from which sides among front, back, left and right another deviceapproaches. To do so, the communication unit 1550 may use a plurality ofdirectional antennas and a plurality of directional sensors.

Meanwhile, the communication unit 1550 may have a bi-directionalwireless communication module to sense the location of other devices insurrounding areas. In this case, there is no limitation to the method ofwireless communication of the bi-directional wireless communicationmodule. Therefore, the wireless communication may be realized asinfrared communication, sound wave communication, an RF communication,or wireless network communication.

The controller 1530 controls the device to perform a cooperativefunction with another device through the process illustrated in FIGS. 8and 11.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for sharing content with an externaldevice, the device comprising: a display unit; a communication unit; anda controller that is configured to: control the display unit to displaythe content; determine whether the external device is in a surroundingarea of the device; determine whether the external device is preset toautomatically display the content received from the device; and controlthe communication unit to transmit the content to the external device,in response to determining that the external device is in thesurrounding area of the device and the external device is preset toautomatically display the content received from the device.
 2. Thedevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external device is preset toautomatically display the content received from the device, and whereinthe external device is in a standby mode before receiving the contentfrom the device.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein theexternal device is preset to automatically stop reproducing a videocontent and to automatically display the content received from thedevice, and wherein the video content is being reproduced by theexternal device before displaying the content received by the device. 4.The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the received content issuperimposed on the video content.
 5. A method for sharing contentbetween a first device and a second device, comprising: displaying thecontent on a display unit of the first device; and determining, by thefirst device, whether the second device is in a surrounding area of thefirst device; determining, by the first device, whether the seconddevice is preset to automatically display the content received from thefirst device; transmitting the content to the second device, in responseto determining that the second device is in the surrounding area of thefirst device and the second device is preset to automatically displaythe content received from the first device.
 6. The method as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the second device is preset to automatically displaythe content received from the first device, and wherein the seconddevice is in a standby mode before receiving the content from the firstdevice.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second deviceis preset to automatically stop reproducing a video content and toautomatically display the content received from the first device, andwherein the video content is reproduced by the second device beforedisplaying the content received by the first device.
 8. The method asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the received content is superimposed on thevideo content.
 9. A non-transitory machine-readable, tangible storagemedium storing executable instructions which cause a device with adisplay unit to perform a method for sharing content with an externaldevice, the method comprising: displaying the content on the displayunit of the device; determining, by the device, whether the externaldevice is in a surrounding area of the device; determining, by thedevice, whether the external device is preset to automatically displaythe content received from the device; and transmitting the content tothe external device, in response to determining that the external deviceis in the surrounding area of the device and the external device ispreset to automatically display the content received from the device.10. A method for sharing content between a first device and a seconddevice, comprising: displaying the content on a display unit of thefirst device; determining, by the first device, whether the seconddevice is in a surrounding area of the first device; determining, by thefirst device, whether the second device is preset to perform a contentsharing function; and transmitting the content to the second device, inresponse to determining that the second device is in the surroundingarea of the first device and the second device is preset to perform acontent sharing function, wherein the second device automaticallydisplays the content received from the first device.